antoniofhowe

Yea that Primare is really tempting, but it would have to be shipped, just as all of them would need to be.

Used makes me nervous, especially when spending this kind of cash. Maybe if I could see and hear it first it wouldn't be so bad.

I am about to have around $1800 to play with and I think it's time to upgrade my CA Azur 351A, it's the last item from my original setup, which is now: Rega RP6 w/ Ortofon 2M Black Leema Acoustics Elements Phono Monitor Audio Bronze BX2 My use of the current amp is this (in priority order): Vinyl Streaming audio through Chromecast / AppleTV TV/Movies The streaming audio and TV/Movies is done via a cheap headphone to RCA cable out of my TV into the amp... not ideal. From all the research I've done I have narrowed my selections down to this list: Cambridge Audio Azur 851A NAD 375BEE Rega Elex-R Music Fidelity M3si I am currently leaning towards the NAD 375BEE for the sole reason that I can get an addon DAC module and run a digital optical cable from my TV to the AMP. I am seriously running out of power outlet options so avoiding a standalone DAC would be preferable, however, my vinyl comes first so taking a hit on audio quality just to have the built in DAC isn't an option either. Anyways, for those that have experience with the above mentioned amps, what would you do?

Can't wait to hear your thoughts. I was in the market for a new turntable a couple of months ago and really wanted the 15S1 but couldn't find it in Canada, went with an RP6 w/ Ortofon 2M Black instead.

Fixed it for you: Canada > Merica > Everyone else

I have the same aversion. I saw an MMF in one of the hi-fi shops I frequent that was in for repairs and it just looked cheap. MMF was on my list when I was initially getting back into vinyl and when I saw that I remember thinking I was glad I didn't go that route. Ever since then I pass over anything MMF.

And to the OP... not sure what your price range is but there is a Pro-Ject RPM 1 Carbon due out soon (if it's not already released). It's in the $500 range.

I meant by 2015 he was referring to newly released gear, not that it had to be released in 2015. But you knew that already.

Maybe it's just the techie in me... I'm always looking for the latest and greatest. I'll give that I was wrong to say it shouldn't be referenced at all, but I still believe there are very valid recommendations of new hardware that are not listed, which I assume is why the OP specifically stated 2015.

I may get crapped on for this but I believe that thread is fantastic for general hardware and setup related questions, but the recommended hardware section is almost two years old now... the prices listed are no longer completely accurate and I'm sure there is new hardware that's been released since it was written that deserves to be listed. In my opinion it's not really fair to be using it as a reference for anyone specifically asking about hardware recommendations, anymore.

Haha, I know, not the ideal setup but it works until I finally decide on a good integrated with a built in DAC.

I use something similar to this to go from my TV to my CA Azur 351A and to be honest I'm surprised at how good it sounds...

I'd also like to add in that when I first got my debut carbon the static was horrible, it was my first table and almost turned me off of vinyl. Within a month I switched to the acrylic platter and that definitely helped. A few other things to try: - Before putting it on the platter run your hand around the edge of record, this can help dissipate built up static - Double check your VTF and anti-skate... I'm assuming you're running the Ortofon 2M red cartridge? I ran mine at 1.9g and the anti-skate on the middle notch. - Invest in a VTF gauge, even if it's just one of the cheap plastic type. Obviously a good digital would be better but then you're looking at $100+ - Double check the cartridge alignment, even though mine was factory fit I found a noticeable sound improvement after re-aligning it myself using a Baerwald "stupid" protractor from Vinyl engine. Do some research before attempting this, it can be very confusing and frustrating and don't be impatient or you risk damaging your stylus (voice of experience unfortunately). - Make sure the turntable is as close to level as possible! Do this by removing the felt mat and putting a 12" (or similar) level on the platter. Check side to side and then front to back. Make adjustments and re-check. - Next time you're out shopping pickup a Mr. Clean magic eraser pad. Great for stylus maintenance (Google it)

I'm thinking long term investment so I've got my eye on the Graham Slee Era Gold MK V MM... after yesterday it'll be a little while before I can pick that up though

Rega RP6 with Ortofon 2M Black... quite possible heypeterman is who sold it to me, and did the complete setup as well I am very happy with it! This was an upgrade from a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon with the 2M Blue. Next will be the phono-pre for sure, currently running a Cambridge Azur 551P.